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Free Form C1A Allegations of Harm Supplemental Information Template
Form C1A is the United Kingdom supplemental information form filed alongside Form C100 in private-law children proceedings where allegations of harm or domestic abuse arise. The current version is dated 06.26 (Crown copyright 2026). Family Procedure Rules 2010 Practice Direction 12J requires the Family Court at every stage to consider whether domestic abuse is or may be raised as an issue and whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary to make a sound welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989. Our free United Kingdom template builds a structured C1A — parties, parallel C100 reference, brief allegations narrative, agencies involved, supporting evidence list, and four Expert clauses on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 statutory definition, the PD 12J fact-finding framework, the welfare checklist cross-reference and a section 7 Cafcass welfare report request.
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Form C1A — Allegations of Harm and Domestic Violence
Supplemental Information Form To Form C100 · Family Court At Manchester · 19 June 2026
TO: The Family Court at Manchester
BY: Olivia Margaret Rashid — filing as the Applicant in the parallel Form C100 application — filed to set out allegations of harm and domestic abuse that the court should consider in deciding the section 8 order.
RE: Allegations of harm and domestic abuse in connection with Form C100 application No. C100/2026/MA/02684.
Filed under Family Procedure Rules 2010 Practice Direction 12J — Child Arrangements and Contact Orders: Domestic Abuse and Harm. The Family Court has an ongoing duty under PD 12J to consider at every stage whether domestic abuse is or may be raised as an issue, and to make findings of fact on the allegations where a fact-finding hearing is necessary to make a sound welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
BY: Olivia Margaret Rashid — filing as the Applicant in the parallel Form C100 application — filed to set out allegations of harm and domestic abuse that the court should consider in deciding the section 8 order.
RE: Allegations of harm and domestic abuse in connection with Form C100 application No. C100/2026/MA/02684.
Filed under Family Procedure Rules 2010 Practice Direction 12J — Child Arrangements and Contact Orders: Domestic Abuse and Harm. The Family Court has an ongoing duty under PD 12J to consider at every stage whether domestic abuse is or may be raised as an issue, and to make findings of fact on the allegations where a fact-finding hearing is necessary to make a sound welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
1. PARTIES, RELATIONSHIP AND PARALLEL C100
| FILING PARTY | Olivia Margaret Rashid |
| FILING PARTY — DATE OF BIRTH | 17 November 1989 |
| FILING PARTY — ADDRESS | 54 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0AB |
| OTHER PARTY | Adam James Rashid |
| OTHER PARTY — DATE OF BIRTH | 22 April 1986 |
| OTHER PARTY — ADDRESS | 108 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1JE |
| RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PARTY | A former spouse or civil partner |
| CASE NUMBER | MA26P02684 |
| PARALLEL FORM C100 REFERENCE | C100/2026/MA/02684 |
2. RELEVANT CHILDREN
| RELEVANT CHILD 1 — NAME | Layla Rose Rashid |
| RELEVANT CHILD 1 — DATE OF BIRTH | 4 August 2017 |
| RELEVANT CHILD 1 — RELATIONSHIP | daughter of the Applicant and the Respondent |
| RELEVANT CHILD 2 — NAME | Yusuf Adam Rashid |
| RELEVANT CHILD 2 — DATE OF BIRTH | 11 December 2019 |
| RELEVANT CHILD 2 — RELATIONSHIP | son of the Applicant and the Respondent |
3. BRIEF ALLEGATIONS OF HARM AND DOMESTIC ABUSE.
3.1 Summary of allegations:
The Applicant and Respondent were married 2015-2024 and divorced under the DDSA 2020. They have two children — Layla (8) and Yusuf (6). The Respondent's C100 application seeks a "lives with" Child Arrangements Order and substantial unsupervised overnight contact. The Applicant's case is that the Respondent's behaviour during the marriage (2018-2024) and since separation (June 2024 — present) makes unsupervised overnight contact unsafe. The pattern includes: (i) controlling and coercive conduct restricting the Applicant's family contact, financial autonomy and movement; (ii) two specific incidents of physical violence — 14 January 2023 (a slap during a financial argument, witnessed by Layla then aged 5) and 8 March 2024 (the Respondent grabbed the Applicant by the throat in the kitchen, witnessed by both children, police called); (iii) economic abuse — sole control of the household finances, restriction of the Applicant's personal bank access, closure of her savings account 2023; (iv) psychological abuse — verbal degradation, including in front of the children, repeated infidelity allegations; and (v) post-separation conduct — repeated unauthorised arrivals at the matrimonial home (now occupied solely by the Applicant), a threatening WhatsApp message dated 4 May 2026 ("you'll see what happens"), and an attempt to remove Layla from school on 12 May 2026 without notice.
3.2 Date of most recent incident: 12 May 2026.
3.3 Most recent incident — narrative:
On 12 May 2026 the Respondent attended Chorlton C of E Primary School at the end of the school day and attempted to remove Layla from the school premises without the Applicant's knowledge or consent. The school office staff (Mrs Sarah Pemberton, Office Manager) refused to release Layla as the Applicant had not authorised the early collection and the Respondent was not listed for that day under the agreed contact pattern. The Respondent became visibly angry, raised his voice and was asked to leave the premises by Mr Karim Hussain (Deputy Headteacher). The incident was recorded in the school safeguarding log; Mrs Pemberton and Mr Hussain are willing to provide witness statements to the court.
3.1 Summary of allegations:
The Applicant and Respondent were married 2015-2024 and divorced under the DDSA 2020. They have two children — Layla (8) and Yusuf (6). The Respondent's C100 application seeks a "lives with" Child Arrangements Order and substantial unsupervised overnight contact. The Applicant's case is that the Respondent's behaviour during the marriage (2018-2024) and since separation (June 2024 — present) makes unsupervised overnight contact unsafe. The pattern includes: (i) controlling and coercive conduct restricting the Applicant's family contact, financial autonomy and movement; (ii) two specific incidents of physical violence — 14 January 2023 (a slap during a financial argument, witnessed by Layla then aged 5) and 8 March 2024 (the Respondent grabbed the Applicant by the throat in the kitchen, witnessed by both children, police called); (iii) economic abuse — sole control of the household finances, restriction of the Applicant's personal bank access, closure of her savings account 2023; (iv) psychological abuse — verbal degradation, including in front of the children, repeated infidelity allegations; and (v) post-separation conduct — repeated unauthorised arrivals at the matrimonial home (now occupied solely by the Applicant), a threatening WhatsApp message dated 4 May 2026 ("you'll see what happens"), and an attempt to remove Layla from school on 12 May 2026 without notice.
3.2 Date of most recent incident: 12 May 2026.
3.3 Most recent incident — narrative:
On 12 May 2026 the Respondent attended Chorlton C of E Primary School at the end of the school day and attempted to remove Layla from the school premises without the Applicant's knowledge or consent. The school office staff (Mrs Sarah Pemberton, Office Manager) refused to release Layla as the Applicant had not authorised the early collection and the Respondent was not listed for that day under the agreed contact pattern. The Respondent became visibly angry, raised his voice and was asked to leave the premises by Mr Karim Hussain (Deputy Headteacher). The incident was recorded in the school safeguarding log; Mrs Pemberton and Mr Hussain are willing to provide witness statements to the court.
4. AGENCIES INVOLVED
| POLICE INVOLVEMENT | Yes — reference GMP CR/2024/03/0814 (8 March 2024 domestic incident) + GMP CR/2026/05/1247 (12 May 2026 school incident) |
| CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE / LOCAL AUTHORITY | Yes — reference Manchester City Council Children's Services Ref: MCC/CSC/26/04318 — Social Worker Hayley Brennan |
| REFUGE / DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARITY / IDVA | No |
5. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE AND CAFCASS SAFEGUARDING.
5.1 Supporting evidence list:
(i) Greater Manchester Police incident report CR/2024/03/0814 dated 8 March 2024 (kitchen incident) — police body-worn footage available on request; (ii) GMP incident report CR/2026/05/1247 dated 12 May 2026 (school incident); (iii) Photographs of bruising to throat and neck taken by the Applicant's sister Mrs Aisha Hussain on 8 March 2024; (iv) WhatsApp message dated 4 May 2026 from the Respondent stating "you'll see what happens" (full thread screenshot enclosed); (v) Letter from Dr Patricia Marlow (Chorlton Health Centre GP) dated 14 April 2026 confirming the Applicant's diagnosis of moderate post-traumatic stress and prescribing course of sertraline 50mg from January 2024; (vi) Letter from Mrs Sarah Pemberton (School Office Manager) dated 13 May 2026 confirming the 12 May incident; (vii) Bank statements 2022-2024 showing the closure of the Applicant's personal savings account (Halifax) on 7 November 2023 without her informed consent; (viii) Statement of the Applicant's sister Aisha Hussain confirming the controlling and coercive pattern observed 2018-2024.
5.2 Cafcass safeguarding referral status: a safeguarding referral has already been made to Children's Social Care; the agency is engaged and a duty assessment is pending or in progress.
5.1 Supporting evidence list:
(i) Greater Manchester Police incident report CR/2024/03/0814 dated 8 March 2024 (kitchen incident) — police body-worn footage available on request; (ii) GMP incident report CR/2026/05/1247 dated 12 May 2026 (school incident); (iii) Photographs of bruising to throat and neck taken by the Applicant's sister Mrs Aisha Hussain on 8 March 2024; (iv) WhatsApp message dated 4 May 2026 from the Respondent stating "you'll see what happens" (full thread screenshot enclosed); (v) Letter from Dr Patricia Marlow (Chorlton Health Centre GP) dated 14 April 2026 confirming the Applicant's diagnosis of moderate post-traumatic stress and prescribing course of sertraline 50mg from January 2024; (vi) Letter from Mrs Sarah Pemberton (School Office Manager) dated 13 May 2026 confirming the 12 May incident; (vii) Bank statements 2022-2024 showing the closure of the Applicant's personal savings account (Halifax) on 7 November 2023 without her informed consent; (viii) Statement of the Applicant's sister Aisha Hussain confirming the controlling and coercive pattern observed 2018-2024.
5.2 Cafcass safeguarding referral status: a safeguarding referral has already been made to Children's Social Care; the agency is engaged and a duty assessment is pending or in progress.
6. DOMESTIC ABUSE ACT 2021 SECTION 1 STATUTORY DEFINITION. Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced the statutory definition of domestic abuse for the first time in United Kingdom law. Section 1(3) lists five categories of behaviour that may amount to domestic abuse: (a) physical or sexual abuse; (b) violent or threatening behaviour; (c) controlling or coercive behaviour; (d) economic abuse (within the meaning of section 1(4) — substantial adverse effect on the victim's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or property, or to obtain goods or services); and (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse. Behaviour is "abusive" whether a single incident or a course of conduct. The parties must be "personally connected" within section 2 (both aged 16 or over).
(a) Physical or sexual abuse:
The Respondent used physical violence on two documented occasions during the marriage. 14 January 2023 — a slap to the Applicant's face during a financial argument in the kitchen, witnessed by Layla (then aged 5) who became distressed and was taken from the room by the Applicant. 8 March 2024 — the Respondent grabbed the Applicant by the throat in the kitchen while the children (Layla then aged 6 and Yusuf then aged 4) were in the open-plan dining area. The Applicant called Greater Manchester Police; the Respondent was arrested and released under investigation pending CPS decision. Photographs of bruising to the Applicant's throat and neck were taken by the Applicant's sister later that day.
(b) Violent or threatening behaviour:
On 4 May 2026 (after the divorce was finalised and the parties were already living separately) the Respondent sent a WhatsApp message stating "you'll see what happens". The Applicant interpreted the message in the context of the prior physical violence as a threat of further violence. The full WhatsApp thread (which includes contemporaneous messages by the Respondent stating "I'm not done with you yet" and "you don't get to keep my kids from me") is in evidence.
(c) Controlling or coercive behaviour:
During the marriage (2018-2024) the Respondent imposed a pattern of controlling and coercive conduct on the Applicant — (i) restriction of contact with the Applicant's family of origin (her mother Mrs Fatima Hussain and her sister Aisha) on the basis that they were "interfering"; (ii) monitoring of the Applicant's phone and deletion of messages from named friends; (iii) demand for justification of any expenditure above GBP 30; (iv) restriction of movement — the Applicant could not leave the matrimonial home without notifying the Respondent in advance and providing a reason. The Applicant's sister Aisha Hussain is willing to provide a witness statement confirming her direct observation of the pattern 2020-2024.
(d) Economic abuse:
The Respondent maintained sole control of the household finances throughout the marriage. The Applicant's salary as a part-time pharmacist (Boots Manchester Trafford Centre) was paid into a joint account from which the Applicant had restricted access. On 7 November 2023, the Respondent closed the Applicant's personal Halifax savings account (balance approximately GBP 12,400) without her informed consent — the closure correspondence is in evidence. The Applicant's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or property was substantially adversely affected, engaging section 1(4) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (the statutory definition of economic abuse).
(e) Psychological, emotional or other abuse:
The Respondent subjected the Applicant to verbal degradation including in front of the children, repeated allegations of marital infidelity (which the Applicant denies), and threats to remove the children from her care if she "stepped out of line". The cumulative psychological impact has been confirmed by Dr Patricia Marlow (Chorlton Health Centre GP) — diagnosis of moderate post-traumatic stress in January 2024 and ongoing sertraline prescription. A GP letter dated 14 April 2026 confirms the diagnosis, the link to the home circumstances and the impact on the Applicant's functioning as a parent.
(a) Physical or sexual abuse:
The Respondent used physical violence on two documented occasions during the marriage. 14 January 2023 — a slap to the Applicant's face during a financial argument in the kitchen, witnessed by Layla (then aged 5) who became distressed and was taken from the room by the Applicant. 8 March 2024 — the Respondent grabbed the Applicant by the throat in the kitchen while the children (Layla then aged 6 and Yusuf then aged 4) were in the open-plan dining area. The Applicant called Greater Manchester Police; the Respondent was arrested and released under investigation pending CPS decision. Photographs of bruising to the Applicant's throat and neck were taken by the Applicant's sister later that day.
(b) Violent or threatening behaviour:
On 4 May 2026 (after the divorce was finalised and the parties were already living separately) the Respondent sent a WhatsApp message stating "you'll see what happens". The Applicant interpreted the message in the context of the prior physical violence as a threat of further violence. The full WhatsApp thread (which includes contemporaneous messages by the Respondent stating "I'm not done with you yet" and "you don't get to keep my kids from me") is in evidence.
(c) Controlling or coercive behaviour:
During the marriage (2018-2024) the Respondent imposed a pattern of controlling and coercive conduct on the Applicant — (i) restriction of contact with the Applicant's family of origin (her mother Mrs Fatima Hussain and her sister Aisha) on the basis that they were "interfering"; (ii) monitoring of the Applicant's phone and deletion of messages from named friends; (iii) demand for justification of any expenditure above GBP 30; (iv) restriction of movement — the Applicant could not leave the matrimonial home without notifying the Respondent in advance and providing a reason. The Applicant's sister Aisha Hussain is willing to provide a witness statement confirming her direct observation of the pattern 2020-2024.
(d) Economic abuse:
The Respondent maintained sole control of the household finances throughout the marriage. The Applicant's salary as a part-time pharmacist (Boots Manchester Trafford Centre) was paid into a joint account from which the Applicant had restricted access. On 7 November 2023, the Respondent closed the Applicant's personal Halifax savings account (balance approximately GBP 12,400) without her informed consent — the closure correspondence is in evidence. The Applicant's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or property was substantially adversely affected, engaging section 1(4) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (the statutory definition of economic abuse).
(e) Psychological, emotional or other abuse:
The Respondent subjected the Applicant to verbal degradation including in front of the children, repeated allegations of marital infidelity (which the Applicant denies), and threats to remove the children from her care if she "stepped out of line". The cumulative psychological impact has been confirmed by Dr Patricia Marlow (Chorlton Health Centre GP) — diagnosis of moderate post-traumatic stress in January 2024 and ongoing sertraline prescription. A GP letter dated 14 April 2026 confirms the diagnosis, the link to the home circumstances and the impact on the Applicant's functioning as a parent.
7. FPR 2010 PD 12J FACT-FINDING HEARING TRIGGER. Family Procedure Rules 2010 Practice Direction 12J requires the Family Court at every stage of the proceedings to consider whether domestic abuse is or may be raised as an issue, whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary to make a sound welfare decision, and what interim and final orders should be made. The leading authority on the standard of proof in fact-finding hearings is Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050 — the standard is the balance of probabilities, and it does NOT vary with the seriousness of the allegation. The Court of Appeal in Re T (Abuse: Standard of Proof) [2004] EWCA Civ 558 emphasised the importance of structured findings of fact on disputed allegations. Re B-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1146 set out the "linear holistic evaluation" approach to welfare options and proportionality. The Court of Appeal in Re H-N (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 issued updated guidance on when fact-finding is necessary — the focus is on whether findings would make a material difference to the welfare decision.
Position on fact-finding: the party submits that a fact-finding hearing IS necessary — the allegations are disputed and the findings of fact would make a material difference to the welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
Fact-finding narrative:
The Applicant respectfully submits that a fact-finding hearing IS necessary in these proceedings. The Respondent has denied the central allegations in his Form C100 — specifically the 8 March 2024 throat-grabbing incident, the pattern of controlling and coercive conduct, and the economic abuse. The findings of fact on these allegations would make a material difference to the welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989 — specifically, whether unsupervised overnight contact is safe, whether contact should be supervised at a Cafcass-approved contact centre pending review, and the proportionate framework for the section 8 order. Re H-N (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 confirms the focus is on materiality. The Applicant proposes a discrete fact-finding hearing listed for 2 days addressing the four core incidents (14 January 2023, 8 March 2024, 4 May 2026 threat, 12 May 2026 school incident) and the pattern of controlling, coercive and economic abuse.
Re L threshold and standard of proof:
The standard of proof on the balance of probabilities applies — Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050. The standard does NOT vary with the seriousness of the allegation; nor does the inherent improbability of the conduct alter the standard. The Applicant invites the court to make findings of fact on each of the four core incidents, on the pattern of controlling and coercive conduct, on the pattern of economic abuse, and on the impact on the children. The findings should then inform the welfare evaluation under section 1(3) and the proportionate response under Re B-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1146 — including the disapplication of the section 1(2A) presumption of parental involvement (which does not apply where there is reason to suspect that involvement would put the child at risk of harm) and the consideration of supervised, contact-centre or indirect contact arrangements.
Position on fact-finding: the party submits that a fact-finding hearing IS necessary — the allegations are disputed and the findings of fact would make a material difference to the welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989.
Fact-finding narrative:
The Applicant respectfully submits that a fact-finding hearing IS necessary in these proceedings. The Respondent has denied the central allegations in his Form C100 — specifically the 8 March 2024 throat-grabbing incident, the pattern of controlling and coercive conduct, and the economic abuse. The findings of fact on these allegations would make a material difference to the welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989 — specifically, whether unsupervised overnight contact is safe, whether contact should be supervised at a Cafcass-approved contact centre pending review, and the proportionate framework for the section 8 order. Re H-N (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 confirms the focus is on materiality. The Applicant proposes a discrete fact-finding hearing listed for 2 days addressing the four core incidents (14 January 2023, 8 March 2024, 4 May 2026 threat, 12 May 2026 school incident) and the pattern of controlling, coercive and economic abuse.
Re L threshold and standard of proof:
The standard of proof on the balance of probabilities applies — Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050. The standard does NOT vary with the seriousness of the allegation; nor does the inherent improbability of the conduct alter the standard. The Applicant invites the court to make findings of fact on each of the four core incidents, on the pattern of controlling and coercive conduct, on the pattern of economic abuse, and on the impact on the children. The findings should then inform the welfare evaluation under section 1(3) and the proportionate response under Re B-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1146 — including the disapplication of the section 1(2A) presumption of parental involvement (which does not apply where there is reason to suspect that involvement would put the child at risk of harm) and the consideration of supervised, contact-centre or indirect contact arrangements.
8. WELFARE CHECKLIST CROSS-REFERENCE — CHILDREN ACT 1989 s.1(3). Under section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989 the welfare of the child is the court's paramount consideration. Section 1(3) sets out the welfare checklist — seven factors the court must consider. The presumption of parental involvement under section 1(2A) (introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014) is rebuttable and does NOT apply where there is reason to suspect that involvement would put the child at risk of harm. "Harm" is defined in section 31(9) as ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development, including impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. The Supreme Court in In re B (A Child) [2013] UKSC 33 confirmed welfare paramountcy.
(a) Ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child:
Layla (8) — Cafcass officer to ascertain wishes and feelings at age-appropriate level; the Applicant's case is that Layla has expressed distress at the prospect of unsupervised overnight contact at the Respondent's home, has asked the Applicant not to leave her alone with the Respondent, and has reported a nightmare pattern since the 8 March 2024 incident. Yusuf (6) — too young for direct wishes elicitation but his behaviour pattern (sleep disturbance, school anxiety) should be reported on.
(b) Physical, emotional and educational needs:
Both children's physical needs (housing, food, schooling) are met by the Applicant's sole care. Emotional needs include a stable, predictable carer environment; safety from witnessing further domestic incidents; and consistent contact with the Respondent provided that safety is assured. Educational needs — Layla at Chorlton C of E Primary; Yusuf at the same school nursery class; school engagement should be considered as part of any contact pattern.
(c) Likely effect of any change in circumstances:
The children have lived with the Applicant since separation in June 2024 (some 24 months at the application date). A change to "lives with" the Respondent would be a substantial change in circumstances and the Applicant's case is that the change is not in the children's interests given the unresolved allegations. Continuity of school, friendships and the maternal extended family (the Applicant's mother and sister live within 1 mile) supports the status quo.
(d) Age, sex, background and relevant characteristics:
Layla — female, aged 8, born and raised in Manchester, of mixed British-Pakistani heritage, attending a state primary in Chorlton, particularly close to the Applicant's sister Aisha who provides regular childcare support. Yusuf — male, aged 6, similar background, attending school nursery, particular attachment to the Applicant given his developmental stage. Both children's mixed heritage is part of their identity and the Applicant supports their continued engagement with both the maternal and paternal extended family provided that contact arrangements are safe.
(e) Any harm suffered or at risk of suffering:
The Applicant's case is that both children are at risk of suffering significant emotional harm if unsupervised overnight contact is ordered before a fact-finding hearing. Layla directly witnessed the 8 March 2024 throat-grabbing incident; she is at risk of further direct or indirect exposure to domestic incidents on contact. Yusuf was present in the dining area during the 8 March 2024 incident. The Children Act 1989 s.31(9) definition of harm includes impairment of health or development suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. The Applicant relies on s.1(2A) — the presumption of parental involvement does NOT apply where there is reason to suspect risk of harm.
(f) Capability of each parent of meeting the child's needs:
The Applicant's capability to meet the children's needs has been demonstrated through her sole care since June 2024. The Respondent's capability is in dispute — the Applicant's case is that the Respondent's emotional regulation and lack of insight into the impact of his conduct on the children make unsupervised overnight contact inappropriate at this stage. The Cafcass section 7 report is requested to address parental capability in detail.
(g) Range of powers available to the court:
The range of orders the court may consider includes: (i) "lives with" the Applicant (status quo); (ii) supervised contact at a Cafcass-approved contact centre pending fact-finding; (iii) supported contact with a family member acting as Independent Supervisor; (iv) progressive supervised then unsupervised daytime contact post-findings; (v) indirect contact only (cards, letters, video) in the event of findings of significant harm risk; (vi) no order under section 1(5). The Applicant's primary position is supervised contact at a contact centre pending fact-finding.
(a) Ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child:
Layla (8) — Cafcass officer to ascertain wishes and feelings at age-appropriate level; the Applicant's case is that Layla has expressed distress at the prospect of unsupervised overnight contact at the Respondent's home, has asked the Applicant not to leave her alone with the Respondent, and has reported a nightmare pattern since the 8 March 2024 incident. Yusuf (6) — too young for direct wishes elicitation but his behaviour pattern (sleep disturbance, school anxiety) should be reported on.
(b) Physical, emotional and educational needs:
Both children's physical needs (housing, food, schooling) are met by the Applicant's sole care. Emotional needs include a stable, predictable carer environment; safety from witnessing further domestic incidents; and consistent contact with the Respondent provided that safety is assured. Educational needs — Layla at Chorlton C of E Primary; Yusuf at the same school nursery class; school engagement should be considered as part of any contact pattern.
(c) Likely effect of any change in circumstances:
The children have lived with the Applicant since separation in June 2024 (some 24 months at the application date). A change to "lives with" the Respondent would be a substantial change in circumstances and the Applicant's case is that the change is not in the children's interests given the unresolved allegations. Continuity of school, friendships and the maternal extended family (the Applicant's mother and sister live within 1 mile) supports the status quo.
(d) Age, sex, background and relevant characteristics:
Layla — female, aged 8, born and raised in Manchester, of mixed British-Pakistani heritage, attending a state primary in Chorlton, particularly close to the Applicant's sister Aisha who provides regular childcare support. Yusuf — male, aged 6, similar background, attending school nursery, particular attachment to the Applicant given his developmental stage. Both children's mixed heritage is part of their identity and the Applicant supports their continued engagement with both the maternal and paternal extended family provided that contact arrangements are safe.
(e) Any harm suffered or at risk of suffering:
The Applicant's case is that both children are at risk of suffering significant emotional harm if unsupervised overnight contact is ordered before a fact-finding hearing. Layla directly witnessed the 8 March 2024 throat-grabbing incident; she is at risk of further direct or indirect exposure to domestic incidents on contact. Yusuf was present in the dining area during the 8 March 2024 incident. The Children Act 1989 s.31(9) definition of harm includes impairment of health or development suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. The Applicant relies on s.1(2A) — the presumption of parental involvement does NOT apply where there is reason to suspect risk of harm.
(f) Capability of each parent of meeting the child's needs:
The Applicant's capability to meet the children's needs has been demonstrated through her sole care since June 2024. The Respondent's capability is in dispute — the Applicant's case is that the Respondent's emotional regulation and lack of insight into the impact of his conduct on the children make unsupervised overnight contact inappropriate at this stage. The Cafcass section 7 report is requested to address parental capability in detail.
(g) Range of powers available to the court:
The range of orders the court may consider includes: (i) "lives with" the Applicant (status quo); (ii) supervised contact at a Cafcass-approved contact centre pending fact-finding; (iii) supported contact with a family member acting as Independent Supervisor; (iv) progressive supervised then unsupervised daytime contact post-findings; (v) indirect contact only (cards, letters, video) in the event of findings of significant harm risk; (vi) no order under section 1(5). The Applicant's primary position is supervised contact at a contact centre pending fact-finding.
9. SECTION 7 CAFCASS WELFARE REPORT REQUEST — CHILDREN ACT 1989 s.7. Section 7 of the Children Act 1989 empowers the Family Court to ask a Cafcass officer (England) or Cafcass Cymru (Wales) to report to the court on such matters relating to the welfare of the child as are required to be dealt with in the report. Where Form C1A allegations are filed, the section 7 report is the principal welfare-evidence vehicle — the Cafcass officer interviews the parties, the children (age-appropriate), schools, GPs and other professionals, and provides recommendations on the section 8 order. The party may request a specific scope of report at this stage.
Section 7 report scope sought: a full Cafcass officer welfare report under section 7 of the Children Act 1989 — addressing welfare checklist s.1(3) factors, the impact of any findings of fact on the welfare assessment, and recommendations on the section 8 order.
Section 7 report narrative:
The Applicant respectfully requests a full Cafcass section 7 welfare report addressing: (i) the welfare checklist analysis with specific reference to the C1A allegations and any findings made at the fact-finding hearing; (ii) the impact of the alleged domestic abuse on Layla and Yusuf, including any direct observations of the children's presentation; (iii) Layla's ascertainable wishes and feelings at age-appropriate level (Yusuf is too young for direct elicitation but his behaviour pattern should be reported on); (iv) the practical recommendations on contact arrangements — supervised contact centre, supported family contact, progressive supervised then unsupervised, or indirect contact, depending on the findings; (v) the application of section 1(2A) and whether the presumption of parental involvement is rebutted on the facts; and (vi) the proposed timetable for review of any interim arrangements made. The Cafcass officer should liaise with the school safeguarding lead (Mr Karim Hussain, Chorlton C of E Primary), the GP (Dr Patricia Marlow, Chorlton Health Centre) and Manchester City Council Children's Services (Social Worker Hayley Brennan).
Section 7 report scope sought: a full Cafcass officer welfare report under section 7 of the Children Act 1989 — addressing welfare checklist s.1(3) factors, the impact of any findings of fact on the welfare assessment, and recommendations on the section 8 order.
Section 7 report narrative:
The Applicant respectfully requests a full Cafcass section 7 welfare report addressing: (i) the welfare checklist analysis with specific reference to the C1A allegations and any findings made at the fact-finding hearing; (ii) the impact of the alleged domestic abuse on Layla and Yusuf, including any direct observations of the children's presentation; (iii) Layla's ascertainable wishes and feelings at age-appropriate level (Yusuf is too young for direct elicitation but his behaviour pattern should be reported on); (iv) the practical recommendations on contact arrangements — supervised contact centre, supported family contact, progressive supervised then unsupervised, or indirect contact, depending on the findings; (v) the application of section 1(2A) and whether the presumption of parental involvement is rebutted on the facts; and (vi) the proposed timetable for review of any interim arrangements made. The Cafcass officer should liaise with the school safeguarding lead (Mr Karim Hussain, Chorlton C of E Primary), the GP (Dr Patricia Marlow, Chorlton Health Centre) and Manchester City Council Children's Services (Social Worker Hayley Brennan).
10. STATEMENT OF TRUTH (FPR 2010 r.17.6). The party filing this Form C1A believes that the facts stated in it are true. The party understands that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against any person who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth. The party acknowledges the ongoing duty under FPR 2010 PD 12J to bring fresh allegations of harm or domestic abuse to the court's attention as they arise during the proceedings.
PARTY FILING C1A
Olivia Margaret Rashid
Filing party — 19 June 2026
Date: ____________________
Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.
What Is Form C1A?
Form C1A is the United Kingdom supplemental information form filed alongside Form C100 in private-law children proceedings under section 8 of the Children Act 1989, where allegations of harm or domestic abuse arise. The current version is dated 06.26 (Crown copyright 2026). The form can be used (a) by the Applicant filing C100 to set out allegations the court should consider in deciding the section 8 application; (b) by the Respondent answering C100 to respond to allegations made by the Applicant or to set out the Respondent's own allegations; or (c) by either party to set out fresh allegations that have arisen since the C100 was issued — the Family Court has an ongoing duty under PD 12J to consider domestic abuse at every stage.
The Family Court applies the welfare principle in section 1(1) of the Children Act 1989 — the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration — and the welfare checklist in section 1(3) (seven factors). Section 1(2A) creates a rebuttable presumption that involvement of each parent in the life of the child will further the child's welfare — the presumption does NOT apply where there is reason to suspect that involvement would put the child at risk of harm. "Harm" is defined in section 31(9) as ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development, including impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. The Supreme Court in In re B (A Child) [2013] UKSC 33 confirmed welfare paramountcy.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced the statutory definition of domestic abuse for the first time in United Kingdom law. Section 1(3) lists five categories of abusive behaviour: (a) physical or sexual abuse; (b) violent or threatening behaviour; (c) controlling or coercive behaviour; (d) economic abuse (s.1(4) — substantial adverse effect on the victim's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or property); and (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse. Behaviour is "abusive" whether it consists of a single incident or a course of conduct. The parties must be "personally connected" within section 2 of the DAA 2021 (aged 16 or over).
What's Covered in This Template
Our United Kingdom Form C1A template builds a structured supplemental information form the Family Court can use to apply PD 12J — parties, parallel C100 reference, brief allegations narrative, agencies involved, supporting evidence list, and four Expert clauses on the DAA 2021 statutory definition, the PD 12J fact-finding framework, the welfare checklist cross-reference and a section 7 Cafcass welfare report request.
Three Filing Roles (Applicant / Respondent / Fresh)
The template switches between three filing roles — Applicant filing alongside C100, Respondent answering C100, or either party filing fresh allegations that have arisen since C100 was issued. The narrative is calibrated to the filing role.
Parallel C100 Reference + Children
Captures the parallel Form C100 reference (the section 8 application this C1A supports), the relationship between the parties (DAA 2021 s.2 — spouse / civil partner / former / cohabitant / former cohabitant / co-parent / other), and the relevant children with names, dates of birth and relationship to the other party.
Brief Allegations Narrative + Most Recent Incident
Specific incidents with dates, pattern of conduct, the most recent incident with full narrative, impact on the children, post-separation conduct. The brief narrative supports the C100 welfare decision; the detailed statutory categorisation lives in the Expert sections.
Agencies Involved (Police / CSC / Refuge)
Three agency switches with optional reference fields — police involvement (force + crime reference), Children's Social Care involvement (local authority + social worker), refuge / IDVA / charity engagement (organisation name). The agency information drives the Cafcass safeguarding letter.
DAA 2021 s.1 Five-Category Statutory Definition (Expert)
Expert clause maps the allegations to the five DAA 2021 categories — (a) physical or sexual abuse; (b) violent or threatening behaviour; (c) controlling or coercive behaviour; (d) economic abuse under s.1(4); (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse. The 2021 Act was the first statutory definition of domestic abuse in United Kingdom law.
PD 12J Fact-Finding Hearing Trigger (Expert)
Expert clause structures the FPR 2010 PD 12J framework for fact-finding hearings — whether a hearing is necessary, materiality to welfare, Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050 balance-of-probabilities standard, Re T fact-finding structure, Re B-S linear holistic evaluation and proportionality, Re H-N updated Court of Appeal framework on when fact-finding is necessary.
Welfare Checklist s.1(3) Cross-Reference (Expert)
Expert clause analyses each of the seven Children Act 1989 s.1(3) factors against the alleged conduct — wishes and feelings, needs, change effect, characteristics, harm, parental capability, range of court powers. Includes s.1(2A) disapplication where there is reason to suspect risk of harm, and s.31(9) harm definition covering impairment from witnessing ill-treatment.
Section 7 Cafcass Welfare Report Request (Expert)
Expert clause requests a Cafcass officer welfare report under Children Act 1989 s.7. Three scope options — full report, enhanced safeguarding letter only, or addendum to an existing report. Specifies the topics the officer should address (impact on children, contact recommendations, professional liaison).
Cafcass Safeguarding Referral Status
Three referral status options — already made (Children's Social Care engaged), pending (referral being made within 5 working days), or N/A (historic allegations below current safeguarding threshold). The status drives the Cafcass safeguarding letter ahead of the FHDRA.
Supporting Evidence Catalogue
Structured supporting evidence list — police records, GP letters, photographs, audio / video, witness statements, school safeguarding logs, social services records. The evidence drives the Cafcass safeguarding response and any subsequent fact-finding hearing case management.
Re L, Re T, Re B-S, Re H-N Caselaw Chain
The Expert PD 12J clause cites the four-case caselaw chain — Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050 (balance of probabilities, not varying with seriousness); Re T (Abuse: Standard of Proof) [2004] EWCA Civ 558 (structured findings); Re B-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1146 (linear holistic evaluation, proportionality); Re H-N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 (when fact-finding is necessary — focus on materiality).
Single Signer — Filing Party, FPR 17.6 Statement of Truth
Form C1A is signed by the party filing it under the FPR 2010 r.17.6 statement of truth. The party acknowledges the ongoing duty under PD 12J to bring fresh allegations to the court's attention as they arise during the proceedings.
How to Complete Form C1A
Follow these steps to produce a well-structured United Kingdom Form C1A supplemental information form for filing alongside Form C100 in private-law children proceedings.
- 1
Identify the filing role
C1A can be filed by the Applicant (alongside C100), by the Respondent (answering C100), or by either party (fresh allegations arising during the proceedings). The narrative differs by role — Applicant's C1A sets out the original allegations; Respondent's C1A responds and may add cross-allegations; fresh-allegations C1A addresses new events.
- 2
Capture the parallel C100 reference
Form C1A is a supplemental form to Form C100 — it does not stand alone. The parallel C100 reference (typically issued by the court at C100 filing) anchors the C1A to the live section 8 proceedings. Where C1A is filed simultaneously with C100, use the same case number.
- 3
Set the relationship to the other party
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 s.2 requires the parties to be "personally connected" — spouse / civil partner, former spouse / civil partner, current cohabitant, former cohabitant, parent or co-parent of a relevant child (not in intimate relationship), or otherwise within s.2. The relationship determines the personal connection requirement and shapes the section 7 report.
- 4
List the relevant children
Use the repeatable rows to list each relevant child — name, date of birth, relationship to the other party. Relevant children include the children of the parties, step-children, and any other child living with either party. Where the C1A allegations are intended to affect contact with a particular child, ensure that child is listed.
- 5
Write the brief allegations narrative
Specific incidents (with dates), pattern of conduct, impact on the children, post-separation conduct. Keep the brief narrative orienting and accurate — 8-15 sentences typical. The detailed statutory categorisation under DAA 2021 s.1 belongs in the Expert section, not here.
- 6
Capture the most recent incident
A specific date and narrative for the most recent incident anchors the urgency of the application. Include witnesses, agency response (police, school, hospital, social services), and any photographs / audio / video. The most recent incident drives any interim directions sought.
- 7
List supporting evidence
Police records, GP letters, photographs, audio / video, witness statements, school safeguarding logs, social services records. The supporting evidence drives the Cafcass safeguarding letter ahead of the FHDRA and the case management at the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment.
- 8
Map the DAA 2021 categories (Expert)
Map the allegations to the five DAA 2021 s.1 categories — physical / sexual; violent / threatening; controlling / coercive; economic (s.1(4)); psychological / emotional / other. Use specific dates, witnesses and supporting evidence per category. Behaviour is "abusive" whether a single incident or a course of conduct.
- 9
Address fact-finding (Expert)
State whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary — the Applicant's view, the disputed allegations, the materiality to the welfare decision under Re H-N (Children) [2021] EWCA Civ 448. Apply the Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050 balance-of-probabilities standard and Re B-S proportionality framework.
- 10
Cross-reference the welfare checklist (Expert)
Apply each of the seven welfare-checklist factors under Children Act 1989 s.1(3) to the alleged conduct — wishes and feelings, needs, change effect, characteristics, harm (including s.31(9) harm from witnessing ill-treatment), parental capability, range of court powers. Identify whether s.1(2A) parental involvement presumption is rebutted by risk of harm.
- 11
Request the section 7 Cafcass report (Expert)
Request a Cafcass officer welfare report under Children Act 1989 s.7. Three scope options — full report, enhanced safeguarding letter only, or addendum to an existing report. Specify the topics the officer should address (impact on children, contact recommendations, professional liaison with school, GP, Children's Social Care).
- 12
Sign and file at the Family Court
Form C1A is signed by the filing party under the FPR 2010 r.17.6 statement of truth. File alongside Form C100 (where filed by the Applicant) or in response to C100 (where filed by the Respondent) or on its own with reference to the parallel C100 (fresh allegations). The Family Court will list the FHDRA with the C100; the Cafcass safeguarding letter follows.
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Legal Considerations — Form C1A Allegations of Harm
Allegations of harm or domestic abuse in private-law children proceedings are governed by Part 12 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010, Practice Direction 12J (Child Arrangements and Contact Orders: Domestic Abuse and Harm), the Children Act 1989, and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The framework operates the same in England and Wales; Scotland has separate procedures under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and Northern Ireland under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.
This template is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. C1A allegations engage substantial law on safeguarding, evidence, fact-finding, the welfare checklist and Cafcass procedure — a family solicitor is recommended for any contested application. Resolution, Cafcass, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) and Citizens Advice provide guidance. Legal Aid is available for domestic abuse cases without means assessment in many circumstances; the Legal Aid Agency operates an evidence regime under PD 3A para 20.
Reviewed for the United Kingdom (England and Wales)
Statutory Framework — Children Act 1989 + DAA 2021
Private-law children proceedings are governed by section 8 of the Children Act 1989 (Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders). The welfare principle is in section 1(1) — the child's welfare is the court's paramount consideration. The welfare checklist is in section 1(3) — seven factors. Section 1(2A) (introduced by the Children and Families Act 2014) creates a rebuttable presumption that involvement of each parent will further the child's welfare — the presumption does NOT apply where there is reason to suspect risk of harm. "Harm" is defined in section 31(9) — ill-treatment or impairment of health or development, including impairment suffered from witnessing the ill-treatment of another. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced the statutory definition of domestic abuse and the five-category framework (s.1(3)).
FPR 2010 PD 12J — The Core Practice Direction
Practice Direction 12J of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 is the principal practice direction for domestic abuse in private-law children proceedings. It requires the Family Court at every stage of the proceedings to consider whether domestic abuse is or may be raised as an issue, whether a fact-finding hearing is necessary to make a sound welfare decision under section 1 of the Children Act 1989, and what interim and final orders should be made on the basis of the allegations. PD 12J was substantially updated in 2021 to align with the DAA 2021 categories.
DAA 2021 s.1 — Statutory Definition (Five Categories)
Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (in force 1 October 2021) introduced the statutory definition of domestic abuse for the first time in United Kingdom law. Section 1(3) lists five categories of abusive behaviour: (a) physical or sexual abuse; (b) violent or threatening behaviour; (c) controlling or coercive behaviour; (d) economic abuse — defined in section 1(4) as behaviour having a substantial adverse effect on the victim's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or to obtain goods or services; and (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse. Behaviour is "abusive" whether a single incident or a course of conduct. Section 2 defines "personally connected" — both parties aged 16 or over and in one of the listed relationships.
Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] — Standard of Proof
The Court of Appeal in Re L (Care: Threshold Criteria) [2007] 1 FLR 2050 confirmed that the standard of proof in family fact-finding hearings is the balance of probabilities — the simple balance, not heightened. The standard does NOT vary with the seriousness of the allegation; nor does the inherent improbability of the conduct alter the standard. The principle was reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in In re B (Children) [2008] UKHL 35. The findings of fact, once made, drive the welfare evaluation under section 1.
Re B-S [2013] + Re T [2004] — Fact-Finding Structure
The Court of Appeal in Re B-S (Children) [2013] EWCA Civ 1146 set out the "linear holistic evaluation" approach to welfare options — the court must consider each realistic option side-by-side and explain why one option is preferred over the others. Re B-S also emphasised proportionality — the response must be proportionate to the harm risk. The Court of Appeal in Re T (Abuse: Standard of Proof) [2004] EWCA Civ 558 set out the importance of structured findings of fact on disputed allegations — the court should make clear, specific findings rather than vague conclusions.
Re H-N [2021] — Fact-Finding Necessity
The Court of Appeal in Re H-N (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448 issued updated guidance on when fact-finding hearings are necessary under PD 12J. The focus is on whether the findings would make a material difference to the welfare decision. Where the alleged conduct, if proved, would not affect the welfare outcome, a fact-finding hearing is not necessary. Where the conduct would materially affect the outcome (e.g. whether supervised or unsupervised contact is appropriate), a fact-finding hearing is necessary. The judgment also emphasises the importance of pattern-of-conduct analysis (controlling and coercive behaviour) rather than incident-by-incident scrutiny only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build Your Form C1A Allegations of Harm
Produce a clear United Kingdom Form C1A supplemental information form alongside the parallel Form C100. Parties, relationship under DAA 2021 s.2, relevant children, brief allegations narrative, most recent incident, agencies involved (police / CSC / refuge), supporting evidence list, Cafcass safeguarding referral status, and four Expert clauses on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 section 1 five-category statutory definition, the PD 12J fact-finding framework (Re L / Re T / Re B-S / Re H-N), the welfare checklist cross-reference under Children Act 1989 s.1(3), and the section 7 Cafcass welfare report request. Filed at the Family Court in England and Wales alongside the parallel C100 application.
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